NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: A spin-off from this thread:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=542295

IC:
The cameras were lit. The news networks were alerted. The reporters prepared to shout. It was time.

The members of the High Council, in a rare display of personal appearance, have come together as one, to do...what will they do, anyway? Whispers abounded, but nothing came of it...until now.

As the designated spokesjedi for the press conference, I was to speak.

"Many of you know by now the sins of Bailey Kipper, that he fell from grace and was exiled, and subsequently started killing innocent people on the Ice Planet Hoth. But what many of you don't know is that the murder of innocents by Bailey Kipper is also the fault of the Order. We have failed to evaluate his mental sanity and ensure that he is no danger to others. We have failed in our duty to protect others. And so, we must ask forgiveness of the Woodians. We invoke the right of Surkai, the right of forgiveness and hope that the Woodians would one day find it in their hearts to forgive us our trespasses."

Katrina spoke next. "Now, I speak to Bailey Kipper directly. You have done great evil, for nothing more than your own twisted desires. For the crime of murder and kidnapping, I, Katrina Samantha Riamus Masaki, by the will of the Force, by my authority as the Empress of the Coredians, hereby sentence you to death should you refuse to submit yourselves to the proper authorities and seek forgiveness yourself."

"Will there be any questions?" Master Elendil asked.

OOC: This is open to reporters for a short time.

A tall blond woman raised her hand, her face was nearly symmetrical, her body nearly flawless. She wore a stylish white sleeveless dress, and around her neck was a press pass.

“Empress Katrina.” the woman asked, “Hello my name is Natalie Inviere, Colonial Remnant for EWTN. I must be the first to congratulate you on coming out here and showing remorse for the acts and failings of the Jedi council. Truly the deaths caused by Bailey were tragic.” she replied to her.

Natalie paused for a moment, “I must ask though, There are rumors going around on the holonet, about a recent attack on the Warstar Ares and on Courescant. It would appear to be a similar style sneak attack as that of Caprica. Tell us, did the Jedi Council send in a team to try to assassinate Admiral Cain, as the Empire is suggesting, and in the process killed thousands of Innocent Colonial soldiers?” Natalie asked the Empress with her thick Caprican accent. (think british)

A tall blond woman raised her hand, her face was nearly symmetrical, her body nearly flawless. She wore a stylish white sleeveless dress, and around her neck was a press pass.

“Empress Katrina.” the woman asked, “Hello my name is Natalie Inviere, Colonial Remnant for EWTN. I must be the first to congratulate you on coming out here and showing remorse for the acts and failings of the Jedi council. Truly the deaths caused by Bailey were tragic.” she replied to her.

Natalie paused for a moment, “I must ask though, There are rumors going around on the holonet, about a recent attack on the Warstar Ares and on Courescant. It would appear to be a similar style sneak attack as that of Caprica. Tell us, did the Jedi Council send in a team to try to assassinate Admiral Cain, as the Empire is suggesting, and in the process killed thousands of Innocent Colonial soldiers?” Natalie asked the Empress with her thick Caprican accent. (think british)
"Well, to be honest, the idea was discussed by this Council, but we dropped it like a hot potato because to be fair, the Colonies have suffered enough and we intend to support them by whatever means necessary. I must emphasize that we had nothing to do with the terrible attack on the Ares and will offer assistance should the Admiral seek it." Katrina said to the reporter.

There was nothing said about Coruscant.

Now, the time came for a Woodian Military Correspondent *shudder* to ask the question. "Lieutenant Colonel Jace Frey, of Woodian Army Times here," the Lieutenant Colonel began, his eyes glaring at Daniel's even though he was simply a life-size hologram to the Council. A particularly angry, hologram at that. "You invoke surkai for three counts of reckless homicide, four, if you include Admiral Zhukov..." the holographic image of Lieutenant Colonel Frey glared at this omission. "Yet, you slaughter no less than a hundred thousand times that many people, perhaps five hundred thousand times, in a rather blatant and obvious War Crime at Caprica. Yet, the Colonies receive no such apologies though their loss is so much greater. What are we left to conclude other than that this "surkai" is nothing more than politically motivated, because Evil Woody Thoughts has more clout in Coredia than do the Colonies, which should be calling for your assassination right now?"

I took the question. "I appreciate that question, Colonel, but this conference was called to atone with the Woodians. The attack on the Colonies is not a Woodian matter. Still, we will in fact be calling Admiral Cain herself soon and apologize for our actions. Since it is unclear if the Colonies watch Woodian networks, we can not be sure that this conference would reach Caprica. To all Colonial citizens living in White Diamond, the Jedi Council does in fact have remorse for the actions our nation has taken and we can only hope that they and their Colonial bretheren in the Twelve Colonies will forgive us as well."

"We will take any and all actions necessary to ensure that peaceful relations resume between our three nations." I finished.

"Frank McCarther of Woodian News Network here. Where did Bailey learn Dark Techniques fro, it had to have been from the Jedi, did it not? And how are we supposed to know that letting Jedi, especially Shinobi and other Dark Side Ninjas, re-enter Evil Woody Thoughts will not compromise our personal safety? Does the Council have any plans to take accountability for approving Dark and Tainted Curricula for Padawans?"

Frank paused for a second, and when he added to his question, he did so in a harsher tone of voice. "What steps have you taken to want us to allow your Jedi back in our nation, and what measures are you taking to ensure that there will never again be a Darth Bailey?"

As the woodian news asked, another Colonial Reminant reporter shot up her hand. She quickly stood up.

Lisa Anestaia, Colonial Reminant of Aquaria, and the Colonial Tribune. “Mr, and Empress Masaki. Since the attack on the colonies, and the civil war the Colonies have under gone several offensive actions against your nation. They blockaded Konoha after the cylon attack, slowing down relief supplies to your planet, and as well during the battle of Jurai engaged your civilian fleet.

After these aggressive moves, can you tell us exactly why you wish to normalize relations with a nation that is allied to your enemy the Galactic Empire, and has engaged in several hostile actions with Coredia?”

"Frank McCarther of Woodian News Network here. Where did Bailey learn Dark Techniques fro, it had to have been from the Jedi, did it not? And how are we supposed to know that letting Jedi, especially Shinobi and other Dark Side Ninjas, re-enter Evil Woody Thoughts will not compromise our personal safety? Does the Council have any plans to take accountability for approving Dark and Tainted Curricula for Padawans?"
"We intend to review and curtail any approval for training Padawans in Dark techniques." Master Elendil took that question. "Defense against such techniques, yes, offense, no."

Frank paused for a second, and when he added to his question, he did so in a harsher tone of voice. "What steps have you taken to want us to allow your Jedi back in our nation, and what measures are you taking to ensure that there will never again be a Darth Bailey?"
"As of now, the Council is reviewing all options to ensure that our two nations can come together in peace. We intend to seek assistance and advice from our peers in achieving such reconcilation. We will do everything we can to ensure that there will never again be a Dark Lord from our ranks." Elendil continued.

As the woodian news asked, another Colonial Reminant reporter shot up her hand. She quickly stood up.

Lisa Anestaia, Colonial Reminant of Aquaria, and the Colonial Tribune. “Mr, and Empress Masaki. Since the attack on the colonies, and the civil war the Colonies have under gone several offensive actions against your nation. They blockaded Konoha after the cylon attack, slowing down relief supplies to your planet, and as well during the battle of Jurai engaged your civilian fleet.

After these aggressive moves, can you tell us exactly why you wish to normalize relations with a nation that is allied to your enemy the Galactic Empire, and has engaged in several hostile actions with Coredia?”
Katrina took that question. "Let me make clear that the Colonies did not, in fact, attack the Exodus fleet. Our intelligence (my internal comment: Intelligence, my ass. Godular shouted out against Hallen on open channels.) indicated that the attack was an unwarranted, despicable attack by unknown elements within the Colonial fleet to seek war between our two nations, most likely backed by the Empire. It is also our belief that the Empire wishes war to come between our two nations and we will not give the Empire what they want. Besides, the Coredian Nation has great sympathy for the Colonies for they have suffered just as much, probably more, at the hands of their enemies."

"We intend to review and curtail any approval for training Padawans in Dark techniques." Master Elendil took that question. "Defense against such techniques, yes, offense, no."


"As of now, the Council is reviewing all options to ensure that our two nations can come together in peace. We intend to seek assistance and advice from our peers in achieving such reconcilation. We will do everything we can to ensure that there will never again be a Dark Lord from our ranks." Elendil continued.

"And what of those already trained in Dark Techniques? How is the Order to ensure that they do not become a multitude of Darth Baileys? And how is Evil Woody Thoughts supposed to have the information it needs to bar them from entry when Coredia is so secretive?" Of course, Frank McCarther referred to about half the Council when he asked this follow-up question...

I took the question with a sigh. No way would Katrina be able to answer this one without getting worked up. "This Council has always believed in a yin-yang philosophy, the balance of darkness and light that is within all people. We have long felt that fanatical adherence to one side or the other is detrimental to the health of this galaxy and thus seek a middle ground to both sides. Our reformation of the cirriculum and the educational structure of the Order will ensure that this balance is maintained, so that we have stable Jedi Knights and thus prevent future Bailey Kipper from occurring. On that note, we'll do everything in our power to keep the yang out of Woodian lands. Never again will Woodians see another Bailey again, I assure you."

"On your second question: Rest assured that those who fall to Darkness will be called to account and rest assured that we'll seek the answers to why they fall instead of just throwing them out with the garbage." Long story short: We're going to lock up future darksiders and treat them like mental patients, with shrinks and hospitals. At least society will be safe from them.

Unfortunately for the Jedi on the other end of the hologram, Frank McCarther saw "everything in our power" as Weasel Words, because defining any given precaution of "outside of our power" would be all too easy. "Does that include keeping Fallen Members of the Council and all Shinobi out of Evil Woody Thoughts, permanently?" he asked Daniel, his glare easily giving away the fact that he did not believe a word that had come out of his mouth.

I took in the man's glare for a moment, then made my answer. "If necessary. We cannot allow the Woodians and the Coredians to 'divorce' so to speak. If it means we have to keep some elements of the Order out of Woodian space, then so be it."

The look that Katrina gave me ensured that the next Council meeting would be interesting indeed...

Natalie listened to the reporter from the Woodians, bash and attack Daniel and Katrina Masaki. She had to admire the man, he was asking tough and difficult questions to the Empress, but also his questions were very geared to a certain result. She listened, as it was obvious that this man was trying to trap them in some sick political game.

Natalie decided to break the mood for a moment, before it became an all out frenzy. "Mr. and Empress Masaki, Natalie again" she stated.

"Before a few minutes ago, you issued a statement that the Twelve Colonies of Kobol had suffered greatly at the hands of their enemies. Could you elaberate on that some more. After all, aside from the cylons, who exactly is this enemy that you are speaking of. Are you an enemy of the Colonies, because of the suffering that you caused with the deaths of over one million Caprican citizens, or do you refer to other nations? If you are refering to nations you believe to be the enemy of the Colonies, would you care to elaborate on which nations you see as their enemy?"

Katrina answered the Colonial with a smile. "Well, I just have one thing to say in reply: your enemies are our enemies. If anyone seeks to harm the Colonials, it will be the same as harming the Coredians. A Colonial taught us that lesson."

"No more questions, my friends. Thank you, and may the Force be with you." I said, ending the press conference.

Five seconds later...

"I hope you're right about keeping the Shinobi and whoever else the Woodians decide to blacklist from accessing Woodian space." Katrina hissed at me.

"I hope so too, but such is another lesson I must teach you. Forgiveness is one thing, but penance is another." I replied like a priest chastising a follower.

"Penance?! Isn't it enough to kiss the Woodians' boots?!" Katrina yelled.

"Ah, no. I don't think of it as kissing their boots. I think of it as showing the Woodians we're sincere about turning around our practices. Besides, some of the Clans want access to the Woodian markets and I can't let them down." I replied.

"Even if it means submitting to Woodian anticorruption laws? They're rougher than the Empire's anti-Jedi statutes!" Katrina was almost aghast at the companies submitting to Woodian Laws.

"Even so." I nodded. "The military really want their Immortal II Star Destroyer prototype, for starters."

Katrina hmphed. "Oh, very well. But if you mess up..."

"I know, I know, I get fed to Venus." I grumbled. "I won't mess up. I swear."

"See that you do not." For some odd reason, she tried to act like Darth Vader. Unfortunately, her all-too-stern look just made me crack up.

To say the least, the stock markets in Evil Woody Thoughts were having a wild day. Opening down more than five hundred points on the overnight news of Bailey's murder spree, recovering three hundred of those points while Daniel Masaki petitioned the Woodians for the rite of surkai, losing a hundred and sixty of those points in the few short minutes during which Daniel and Katrina answered Hard Questions, and rebounding about a hundred ten points when Daniel vowed that Coredia would do whatever it took to regain the trust of Woodians, even restricting entire swaths of Jedi from entering Evil Woody Thoughts...well, the stock market's wild volatility of the day accurately reflected the emotions and feelings of the Woodian people. Woodians debated amongst themselves whether or not the Coredian plea for forgiveness was sincere or a mere political ploy, and judging from the blogs on the Holonet, Woodians were about as divided on the issue as Godulans were divided from Imperials. For the record, the stock market still managed to close the day down 294 points, or three percent.

Well, at least the gesture had dispersed half the anger. It probably helped, too, that the protesters were being quieter today; the murder of at least three Woodians, and the kidnapping that Katrina Masaki seemed to have pulled out of her rear end ("kidnapping? What kidnapping? Another Jedi hallucination?") made the anger too somber for throwing Molotov cocktails over the Coredian embassy walls. Sprinkling fake blood on the sidewalks just outside of said embassy sufficed just fine. Luckily, Colonel Keith Allaire had closed such embassy, allowing the staff inside to watch on the Holonet with the one cable Keith had left open. Probably a good thing that nothing else, inbound or outbound, went through the embassy for the moment.

Keith Allaire, (Woodian) Jedi Knight, could sense it too, even as he searched the consulate, at request of the Woodian Government due to Caprica and by order and blessing of the Jedi Council, at Eheayana for singularity weapons, forbidden by the Embassy Agreement, and spies. A mix of resigned acceptance, rabid cynicism, continued anger of the quiet and somber kind that may fester, and widespread head explosions and "WTF!?" resonated throughout the Force. Well, at least the Council had taken his advice, and at least half the nation had accepted it. He had warned the Council against making it seem like it did this out of political necessity, and he would have to work on the other half tonight...

Keith arrived in Great Woody City approximately two and a half hours in advance of his scheduled interview with Rainn Thoreide, and changed back into his Class A dress uniform as he caught up on the particulars of the news, the replays of the Jedi press conference. He sighed, as the Council had omitted the fate of Admiral Zhukov from the apology, which definitely made it a bit easier to see as political and insincere. To many a Woodian, you were either against the Dark Side or for it; maybe Keith could straighten that out tonight. After all, *shudder* Force Crush was practically a requirement for geokinetics, at least if he wanted to be able to form rocks and whatnot. He did use it, just not on anything that breathed either oxygen or carbon dioxide.

And so, after stopping by the mess hall for chow, he quietly made his way downtown, threading his way through the assorted protesters that remained, to make his appearance on the Rainn Thoreide newscast...

----------------

*lead-in plays* "Rainn Thoreide Reports! Tonight at Nine: An Exclusive, Live Interview with Colonel Keith Allaire, Woodian Jedi Knight! Brought to you today, commercial free, as a public service! But first, our top story, the Jedi Order's invocation of surkai. Are they really sorry, or just trying to cover their ass?"

"Yes, approximately eight hours ago, the Jedi Council dropped a political bombshell: It asked for forgiveness. A political bombshell that saw the Prime Minister trapped in Los Angeles, New Dornalia, because mediated talks between her and a Coredian envoy broke down, reportedly on this very point. The press conference lasted nine minutes, of which seven minutes consisted of some very pointed questions, and for those of you who missed it, or for those of you *cough* Chess Headman *cough* who think me a yellow journalist, I will replay it in its entirety. I am not PNN!"

*plays press conference requesting surkai in its entirety*

"There you have it. The Jedi Council, for once, accepting responsibility instead of passing the buck. To be blunt, responsibility for three counts of reckless homicide and one mysterious count of kidnapping..."

Rainn Thoreide checked a dispatch from Hoth that had been sitting off to the side for just a couple of moments. "Yes, eight-year-old Samuel Whitehouse, and his mother, Denise Whitehouse..." *displays their picture and identification on screen* "...have been reported missing to Hoth authorities. If you have any information on their whereabouts, please call 911 immediately."

Immediately, the Bailey Bounty counter in the bottom right hand corner of the screen inched up another fifteen or so billion credits, up to 993.345 billion credits. It had been going up all day long, for obvious reasons, as more and more Woodians (and Coredians, after learning of his bloodfoul deeds) had called in contributions to the Bailey Bounty Fund.

"So the Jedi apologize for their paralyzing inaction. The inaction that set a murderer free. The inaction that forced the Woodian Parliament to quickly expel Jedi and seal the border such that the Fallen One could not enter. The inaction that proved Woodians' paranoia, as the Dragon Queen Tamitha of Coredia so insensitively put it, 'national PSTD,' correct. For once, the Jedi Council had to swallow the hard facts, and swallow its pride...the FACT that the Fallen One is a threat to public safety. Will Chess Headman accuse us of Red-baiting now, when our instincts to bar the Sith from entry were proven correct by said Sith's actions on Hoth? Oh, and this just in, the Bailey Bounty has just surpassed one trillion credits." Sure enough, the counter on the bottom right of the Holonet screen read $1.00004T.

"The task of discernment now falls to the Woodian populace, currently split fifty-fifty over whether the Order is true to reform, or whether it is merely CYA. In the Order's favor, I will admit, is Daniel Masaki's response to the questions when pressed. That the Order would go to such lengths as restraining sections of itself from entering Evil Woody Thoughts, if required to regain our trust. Indeed, after we were so violated by Bailey Kipper, and after international media told us to, and I quote, 'get over it,' it just might be. That remains to be seen. That the Coredians will restrain themselves from training every Tom, Dick, and Harry on how to wantonly go around crushing civilians for winter sport. Arguing against the sincerity of the Order's invocation of surkai, the omission of any reference to The Original Crime. The omission of a direct apology to the Identified Victims, the survivors of the Tlaska family. Here to help us all sort it out, and answer other assorted questions left over from an apparently very confused international media, is Jedi Knight Keith Allaire. Welcome, Knight Allaire."

Keith walked onstage, and shook Rainn Thoreide's hand before sitting down in an empty seat set up next to the newscaster. Rainn winced at the strength of Keith's handshake on camera; it felt like his hand was getting crushed, and he suddenly wished that this wasn't live. Oh, well, wouldn't be the first time he invited a frakking bodybuilder on the show, wouldn't be the last. "A pleasure to meet you," Keith replied, his voice far more pleasant than his wrenching handshake (even though he viewed this as media seppuku (http://www.despair.com/sacrifice.html)). "Though you can call me Keith if you wish."

"Thank you for coming, Keith." Rainn Thoreide smiled. "First question: Do you believe this whole invocation of surkai was sincere, or CYA?"

"Well, Mr. Thoreide, before I say anything, I would just like to ask my countrymen to calm down for a day to process what is going on. A true shitstorm of sorts has occurred, with the Fall of Bailey Kipper, news of Caprica, the Attack of the Cylons, and hell, I am probably leaving stuff out--all in one day. Everyone needs a bit of time to process that all, Jedi Council included. When the protests over Bailey Kipper's release erupted, the Jedi Council was, well, confused. As were the Dornalians. They honestly did not know what to do at first. They panicked. And they owned up to it, they owned up to the fact that their panic released an angry, unstable person with the ability to kill, and he did so. Admitting fault in what honestly amounts to reckless homicide is not an easy thing for someone whose accountability to the law legally consists of either his own conscience, or 2/3 of the Senate ratifying legal action. They could have easily washed their hands of him, maybe not politically, but legally, they could have. So, yes, the apology itself is sincere. That, and the fact that the Council signaled its willingness to keep the more...controversial classes of Jedi out of Evil Woody Thoughts, which of course includes part of the Council."

"What of the omission of the fate of Admiral Aidan Zhukov in the apology? Why no taking responsibility for his fate?" Rainn probed.

"I will be blunt. I have seen the recordings of the biddings. Use of the Force is subject to bidding. Jedi younglings are taught to forego its use in sports events against non-Force-sensitives where use of the Force would make the event inherently unfair. Even though bidding usually only occurs amongst Woodian Jedi, there is precedent for it in Coredian society. Yet, someone who has known the Force for all of his life sees the Force as part of his existence. Adults do not always have the same flexibility that younglings do. Now, to the point...Aidan challenged Bailey to bid away the Force, to make the fight balanced. Bailey refused, for he probably did not know how to divorce himself from the Force. Though there is no excuse for him refusing to declare the Dark Side off limits. A Jedi *does* have control over that, and damn well should have the discipline. That is on Bailey, not the Jedi Council."

"Please elaborate."

"At best, the Jedi Council's culpability in Aidan's death is only in that the Council sets the basic curriculum for the training of Jedi. Bailey lacked the judgment and maturity to be taught Dark Powers, yet somewhere he was trained in their use anyway. The Council did reveal that it intends to restrict said training to those who have proven the ability to handle it today. Does the Council bear responsibility for a curriculum that allowed immature Jedi to learn power they might not be able to handle? Yes. Was there proximate cause for the Council to foresee that such lax controls in training would lead to the Force Crushing of a Woodian Admiral? No. On the other hand, once Bailey had Force Crushed Admiral Aidan, was there proximate cause to believe that he had Fallen, and would murder others in anger? Yes, and that is what Woodians saw that the Council did not...and what the Council invoked surkai for."

"Speaking of Fallen...Coredians and Woodians seem to disagree on where the line of the Dark Side lies. I would like to play this clip from the Dragon Queen from her rebuttal of my report last night..."

"This is where we must differ again. Dark Tactics, if used at all, are always used as a final resort but if battles are won properly, they would not be necessary. On your second argument, Lightning is an elemental skill with its uses in battle, just as fire and ice are used in battle. We have always allowed it as part of our arsenal -and it requires strong constitution to use in the first place- and we do not intend to be rid of it anytime soon."

"Of course," Rainn continued, "The Old Jedi Order *did* consider Lightning to be Dark, and so do a great many Woodians. As a Woodian Jedi, you are uniquely positioned to comment on the matter; what are your thoughts?"

"Indeed, the use of Lightning has been disputed at various points in history," Keith replied. He didn't entirely buy the Coredian logic surrounding Elemental powers, but some were worse than others. "It still is, but the modern-day Order has settled on Elemental powers being more or less neutral. Still, the Evil Woody Thoughts Army Field Manual classifies electrocution of torture, and I am studying geokinesis--and in order to generate the pressure to, say, convert soil into rock, I need to use Force Crush. Yes, I do use it, but not on any breathing lifeform. I even sterilize the bacteria in the soil beforehand if time will allow it, and sterilization of microbes is taken for granted by pretty much everyone. As much as the Order likes to pretend that the debate over Elemental powers has gone away, it still lingers. But, yes, there is a certain degree of Darkness inherent in Elemental powers. At a very minimum, they should not be used against unarmed people."

Rainn was quite shocked to learn that Keith used Force Crush, though unlike the Sith, he was very careful not to destroy life with it. Well, one thing you've got to hand to Keith...he has lots and lots of candor. "I...see." Rainn Thoreide stroked his chin. "Another question. Corruption. Another quote from the Dragon Queen...

"Corruption has always been a part of government since time began and it will always be a part of government as long as sentients seek to further themselves and there will always be a need to defeat it. You may not understand it, but there are indeed more pressing matters than search for every instance of corruption, like a Black Crusade bearing down upon us all. But make no mistake, we do root out corruption, and when we do, the corrupted pay dearly!"

"Do the Coredians not understand the significance of government waste!?"

"Indeed, they do not. In fact, I would go so far as to say that their closed political culture lends itself to a certain degree of 'you scratch my back, I scratch yours' mentality. That the cost to construct capital ships, here, for example, is fifteen percent lower, when materials are six percent more expensive and the labor of the shipwrights more than forty percent more expensive due to the labor shortage...somehow the Coredians have failed to calculate that into the cost of building or replacing an entire fleet. There is no concept of opportunity cost in Coredian government. The aristocrats all dip their fingers into the cut, and it is all legalized. No concept of shared sacrifice. No concept that the newest family mansion for the Founding Clans mean that soldiers have to go without a payraise for the next year, no concept that skimming off the top deprives the armory of enough blasters to equip the entire regiment. In Coredia, to be honest, appropriations are about those doing the appropriating." Keith shook his head.

"Finally, one last thing. Chess Headman has obtained records with which to smear you, and he aired it last night." Rainn played the footage:

Lastly, I have it on good authority--GOOD AUTHORITY--that you Woodians shouldn't be ones to talk in this matter. I'm not going to say where I got this footage, for I might get in trouble if I do. I'll only hint it came from a certain other Force-using nation besides the Coredians and the Woodians and us who's on our side.

(Shows footage of Colonel Allaire brutalizing a Huntarian private (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=517561&page=4))

I'll let the footage speak for itself. Of course, if you don't believe me, I can easily get in touch with the private in question and his commanding officer, a certain General Verneal? After all, the certain nation this came from is a friend of ours.

"Do you wish to respond to Chess' allegation?"

"Indeed, I do, Rainn, and thank you for the opportunity. I had not caught that." Keith then proceeded to use the Force to unlock his codex, producing a clicking sound on the air, somewhat like unlocking handcuffs. A previously unnoticed object slid down Keith's arm underneath the military uniform, and Keith extracted it, an opened plastic, yellow armband, or so it looked like. "This is my codex, my record of just about everything I have done in the military. It contains the full recording of what happened, in the context that it occurred." Keith fiddled for it for a moment. "The private in question attempted to trip me, then became quite insubordinate when I called him on it, including attempting to kick me in the groin. I am sorry, Mr. Headman, but after that, a reasonable person would indeed defend himself..." Keith fiddled with the codex a bit, and played the attempt to trip the Colonel (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12334419&postcount=46), not to mention attempt to kick him in the groin (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12334582&postcount=50), *BEFORE* the Colonel had broken his leg. Self-defense, not to mention a necessary dose of unit discipline, the Colonel's alleged "brutality" against the private was. "I will let the recording speak for itself, and leave the viewers to their own conclusions," Keith added.

"We are almost out of time. Final thoughts?"

"I am well aware there are a lot of confused people out there. The Council was among them, and to be honest, most of said Council vaguely holds a notion that surkai implies forgiveness. But, as Daniel Masaki made clear, intentionally or not, as he fielded his questions, it means so much more. Forgiveness, penance, reconciliation...all rolled up into one term; forgiveness is only a rough translation."

Keith paused for a few seconds, almost seeming to meditate on live Holonet, before speaking again. "To my colleagues in the Jedi Order: About half of my countrymen accepted the Council's plea for surkai at face value. The other half are still digesting it, and it might take a while to sort through. Even in forgiveness, the trust that once existed between Woodian and Coredian will have to be earned again. As much as this saddens me, no longer can a Woodian stand next to a Coredian Jedi, confident that the Jedi will protect him. For one of us did Fall, and betray that trust that once existed. Intellectually, Woodians know that the actions of one person are not representative of an organization of thousands, but emotionally, they wonder, 'How am I supposed to separate the ones I can trust from the ones I cannot?' Most of you remember at least the media coverage from the civil war aftermath, and regrettably, Bailey reopened that wound. Understand that it will take time, and effort, to heal fully, and it will probably leave a scar."

Another pause. "To my countrymen: Understand that the vast majority of Jedi are still confused. Most of them only saw your wounds filtered through news reports, and honestly do not understand how the deeds of one person released so much anger. Do not give in to hate, for the Jedi seek above all healing. Allow the Jedi Order some space, and time, to Redeem itself in your eyes. Be willing to forgive, and allow us to correct our mistake. The Jedi Council has asked for surkai, it is up to you to grant it."

"Thank you for those words of sanity, Knight Allaire." Rainn Thoreide reached over to shake his hand again, before the sound of cracking knuckles was heard on the air and Rainn realized why that was against his better judgment. Turning towards his viewers on the camera, he added, "Thank you and good night."

Picon
Ministry of Defense
Colonial Department of Intelligence

It was a long and tirinig day for Colin Butler, as he held his now luke warm coffee. He put down his mug, and began to rub his eyes. Nothing was happening, not since the news of the Ares bombing had occurred.

Colin glanced up to the wall in the room. Hundreds of televisions adorned the wall, each one watching and recording any news from across the galaxy. News, that the colonials might need, perhaps some glimpse of Intel, that could give the colonies an advantage against their allies and enemies, both of which seemed to blur into one as the minutes past.

Colin leaned back in his chair and stretched. “Twelve frakking hours, and the only thing interesting was from a nation called the Woodians.” he thought to himself. Colin turned to his notebook and began to write notes about all that was being reported, “Off shoot of the thirteenth colony, seems apprehensive to Coredia, thinks that the Jedi are sith.” he continued to write down short hand what he was seeing, as his computer (yes colonials have them, they are just not popular) was recording every event as it unfolded.

It did not take many hours to see how pissed off this ally of the Coreworlds was, at the Coreworlds. Colin smiled, at this intel. He reached into his dossier, and began to take notes.

“The nation of Evil Woody thoughts, has been betrayed by Coredia. They believe that due to the actions of a fallen Jedi knight, that Coredia is as bad of an enemy as the Empire. Also they have reacted to the news of the Caprican bombing quite harshly, as if Caprica was their city. Recommend we leak news out into the galaxy about the Ares Bombing, and send a diplomat to establish relations with Evil Woody thoughts.”

Colin then turned back to his computer and continued to analyze the reports from the small nation, that had only caught the colonial eye since it had taken in the cowards from the Colonies.

The screen flickered across his glasses as a breaking news report came in. Colin watched it, as the Empress and Mr. Masaki stood up. “Finally.” he thought to himself, as the boredom faded. “Maybe some real intel.” he thought to himself as he smiled.

The Press conference began. He wrote down every detail.

“What the frak.” he said outloud, as he first saw the image of Natalie Invere. He grabbed his pen, “Confirmed sighting of a number three on White Diamond, at Masaki News Conference.” He wrote down as the bombshell unfolded. “Masaki’s seem to be trying to save relationsship with EWT. Masakis vow to keep jedi out of EWT, and apoligize for the deaths.”

Then he heard what he never thought he would have heard in his life. His jaw dropped, as he listened to the words of Katrina Masaki. He reached for the phone, “Get me Admiral Cain.”

he told the operator on the phone.

“I do not give a damn if she is busy, this is really important. Empress Katrina just declared an alliance with the Colonies.”

Picon Ministry of Defense

Helena Cain’s office
Six hours before the commencement speech

The paperwork was piled high, and thrown over her desk. Pictures littered the desk, of Reika attacking the Master at arms, and long lists of dead and wounded laid lifeless on her table. Admiral Cain’s eyes just teared up. Her crew had died, her ship wounded, and now a Coredian was on board.

Cain slowly picked up the picture and stared at the image of Reika. “What am I to do with you?” she said outloud.

Ring, Ring, the phone breaking the silence in the room. Admiral Cain turned to the distraction for a moment, as she reached down and pressed the speaker button. “What is it.”

“Intel wants to speak to you, it is about Katrina Masaki.” The secretary on the other line responded.

“Katrina, the bitch of Coredia.” Admiral Cain thought to herself. “Send them in.” she ordered.

Moments later two officers came in, each wearing the formal uniform of the Twelve Colonies. Both of the men were quick to salute.

“Do not bother with the formalities, what do you have on the Empress.” Cain ordered.

“Sir,” one of the men said, “Moments ago Intel intercepted this news feed. He pulled out a silver disk out of his briefcase and inserted it into the TV. The screen light up, as the seal of the Colonies appeared on the screen. Then the press conference began.

The first thing that was of note was the cylon reporter. “Admiral Cain said nothing as it played out. She also noted how the Woodians creamed the Masakis’. Then came her declaration of friendship and protection...”

Admiral Cain said nothing, she just stared at the Television. The two men looked to her, “Sir what should we do?” they asked.

Cain turned towards the two men, and placed her left hand over her throat. “We will respond.” she replied. “Get Sargent Shelly Able in here within the hour.”

“Sir.” they replied.

“You are dismissed.”

Within the hour, Sergeant Able walked through the door and stood before her commander and saluted smartly. "Sergeant Able reporting as ordered, sir!"

Quite a number of people watched Keith Allaire, who surprisingly, actually stuck up for the Council in some parts. Even the Council members managed to get wind of it and although no comments were forthcoming from them, they decided that indeed, Keith Allaire wasn't so bad for a Woodian after all.

From a GNN poll, Keith's standing in Coreworlds began to climb from "All we Know of this guy is that he's the Woodian Who Was Freed from Sith Slavery" to "the Guy who Called For Sanity in These Confusing Times And Stuck Up For the Council."

As such, a very small following began to form, mostly made up of people who watched Keith's interview with Chess and began comparing that one to the one with Rainn in holochat rooms. Who knows if that following would grow?

The next day, the protesters just outside of the Coredian Embassy thinned significantly, the attentions of the Woodian electorate redirected to the Switchboards of Parliament. The poor staffers answering the calls had to deal with a heated debate, the subject of which was popular opinion on what the Parliament should do concerning the matter. While Keith's appearance on the Holonet the night before had mollified the anger that Woodians felt over Daniel Masaki's perceived insincerity, it did little to resolve the very real issues of trust that had suddenly cropped up.

It seemed that half the nation thought restrictions on Jedi entry should be removed as soon as Bailey Kipper was brought to justice (but not a moment before), and half the nation thought that individual Jedi should have to "earn" their way back in, proving that they were not a threat to Woodian society before being allowed to enter the country. For its part, the President pro tem of the Parliament signaled that the Parliament would not lift a finger on the Jedi restrictions until such time that Bailey Kipper was brought to justice, in the interests of national security of course. But after Bailey Kipper met his proper execution, the Parliament would be willing to reopen the issue...

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Elleayovskii sighed as she read the reports from home in her guest suite in Los Angeles. Tomorrow, the day another Councilor arrived to discuss the issue, would prove to be most interesting indeed.